Nature, Culture, Geography, Travel & Adventure

Wilderness Diplomacy

Can America’s wilderness be a stepping stone to other key diplomatic solutions around the world? This is the question I asked myself when I was recently presented with some images of my new book, The National Parks: Our American Landscape, as it was presented to college students in the United Arab Emirates. Their response was stunning as they turned page after page awe struck at the beauty held within the borders of the United States. To my surprise, many had no idea of our national parks or of the great geography of wilderness that connects our country together. They now saw the USA with new eyes and perhaps, signifying the beginning of a unique approach to how we could find common ground with different cultures by sharing these wonders with them and learning about their own. Could the wild lands be a common ground we all share and admire? Could this common ground open a dialogue with people to find ways to work together in an effort to find peace? I believe so and look forward to working as an environmental diplomat, bridging the chasm between all of our worlds.